Whether you are the head coach, manager, or even just a player on the team, it’s important to know how to be a great baseball teammate. A great teammate is one that puts the team first, takes responsibility for their actions, and is committed to the success of their teammates.
- Set a good example: A great teammate sets a positive tone for the rest of the team by coming to practice ready and willing to work hard. They don’t bring drama or negativity to the team by checking their phone, sending snaps, or engaging in gossip. They focus on connecting with teammates and lifting others up, and setting the tone for an enthusiastic practice that translates into an overall positive atmosphere for the game.
- Take care of your body: Having a healthy lifestyle is essential for being a good teammate. This means eating right, drinking water, getting enough sleep, and training with intent. You’ll be amazed at how a consistent commitment to these habits will have a ripple effect throughout your entire team.
- Achieve your goals: It’s not always easy to be a good teammate, but it’s worth the effort because you can improve your skills and make the team better by striving to achieve your individual goals. Goals can include things like hitting a certain number of extra base hits, completing a certain number of passes, or even just getting more team rebounds.
- Don’t let your emotions affect the team: Pujols believes that “one person’s emotional reaction to a situation can affect the whole team,” so it’s important to control your negative emotion and avoid situations that cause you to lose your cool.
- Hold yourself and your teammates accountable: You should have high standards for yourself and your teammates and you should never accept a negative attitude from a teammate or be afraid to confront them if they aren’t fulfilling their duties on the team.
- Be a mentor: You can learn so much from your teammates. When you listen to your teammates talk about their experiences on the field, what they are trying to achieve, or what is working for them, you can always take away something that will help you become a better player.
- Be a servant leader: A service-minded teammate is one that genuinely wants to help their team win, and they aren’t afraid to give their time and energy to the cause. They will volunteer their services in a variety of ways, including bringing snacks to the team after a game or letting their teammates borrow their equipment for the day.
- Support all teammates: A great teammate not only supports their own teammates, but they will also cheer loudly for everyone on the team. They aren’t afraid to show love to the kid who never plays again, or the All-State player headed for D1.
Great teammates have a passion for their sport and want to be the best they can be. They’re not afraid to sacrifice themselves to ensure that they can achieve their dreams of playing professional baseball.